Sydney's Lockout Laws To Be Axed (With One Exception) In January
28 November 2019 | 12:18 pm
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Staff Writer
“I am proud to have stood with the musicians, artists, hospitality workers and business owners most affected... "
The NSW Government has announced today that Sydney's lockout laws will be scrapped throughout the city with one exception.
As ABC reports, from 14 January next year the lockouts will no longer be in effect in the CBD or Oxford Street, however they will remain in Kings Cross.
It comes after the NSW Premier confirmed plans were underway to remove the laws from Sydney's CBD, while a report on Sydney's night time economy, released in September, recommended the removal of the 1.30am lockouts, "prohibition on service of certain drinks after midnight" including shots and "the 3am cessation of service".
The removal of the laws will see extended trading hours for venues in those areas, as well as fewer restrictions on the service of alcohol including shots.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed the news today, calling it "a vital first step in breathing oxygen back into Sydney’s nightlife".
“I am proud to have stood with the musicians, artists, hospitality workers and business owners most affected by the lockouts, and the many thousands of Sydneysiders who want to keep Sydney open.
“I look forward to working with the NSW Government and the wider community to fix the damage caused by the lockouts and put in place policies that could allow a relaxation of the laws in Kings Cross upon review in 12 months.”
Earlier this month, NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay also called on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to remove the lockout laws by Christmas.
“With the economic storm clouds gathering and a softening of local retail spending, lifting the lockout laws in the CBD could serve as a stimulus measure for the economy,” McKay said in a statement today.
“Many businesses have had a tough year: the lifting would be two-fold, it would respond to community calls and it would also bring life back to the CBD – and increase spending. If venues feel they are ready for the change then they should be given the choice to open later.”
“Many businesses have had a tough year: the lifting would be two-fold, it would respond to community calls and it would also bring life back to the CBD – and increase spending. If venues feel they are ready for the change then they should be given the choice to open later.”
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